71 Colombo University students contract dengue; academic activities move online

A total of 71 students of the University of Colombo have contracted dengue fever, while five students are currently receiving treatment after being hospitalized, Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Karunathilake said.The Colombo University Vice Chancellor noted that most of the reported dengue cases were from the Faculty of Arts. In view of the situation and its impact on students’ academic activities, the university administration has decided to conduct lectures of several faculties through online and hybrid modes for one week.He said the university has implemented several measures to control the spread of dengue and is continuously monitoring the health condition of students receiving hospital treatment.Professor Karunathilake said the decision to move lectures online was made as rest is an important part of recovery for students affected by dengue.He added that the dengue situation within the university has been brought under control and requested students with fever symptoms to seek medical advice and follow the instructions of health experts.The Vice Chancellor further clarified that the university has not been closed due to the dengue cases and there are no plans to shut down academic activities.Meanwhile, all faculties of the University of Moratuwa were also closed for a period of two weeks due to the risk of dengue fever spreading. Furthermore, the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo also announced that its premises will be closed temporarily due to an outbreak of dengue and fever.The university is scheduled to reopen on July 13.